Growing Opportunity: Olha’s Lavender Business

In the village of Cherepashyntsi in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region, Olha Cherniakina has transformed family land into a thriving agricultural and tourism business.

With no prior experience, she began growing lavender—drawn by both market demand and the area’s steady flow of visitors. What started as an ambitious idea became something truly unique, including rare, unnamed lavender varieties that Olha now hopes to preserve as cultural heritage.

Today, “Provence in UA” combines multiple crops, beekeeping, and handmade products like essential oils and soaps, with sales driven through social media and a loyal customer base. The farm also welcomes visitors for tours, photos, and workshops.

With support from the FemAgro program, Olha recently installed a new greenhouse, strengthening her farm’s future growth. “My persistence helped me,” she says, “and the understanding that I really needed this.”